Plastics - Properties

Low Density Polyethylene - LDPE

LDPE is a thermoplastic made from petroleum. It is commonly recycled and has the number "4" as its recycling symbol.

Able primarily uses LDPE in the manufacture of flexible packaging products, mainly bags. industry in general use LDPE in the manufacture of such items as dispensing bottles, tubing, lab equipment, trays, food storage containers, computer components and playground slides.

Linear Low Density Polyethylene - LLDPE

LLDPE is produced at lower temperatures than LDPE and has a some different properties. Able often uses LLDPE together with LDPE in a blend to manufacture packaging. LLDPE is softer and more flexible than LDPE.

LLDPE is used in many of the same markets and product applications as LDPE.

High Density Polyethylene - HDPE

HDPE is more rigid than LDPE and LLDPE and has higher tensile strength. It has the number "2" as its recycling symbol. Like LDPE and LLDPE, Able uses HDPE to manufacture packaging. Industry also uses HDPE to make telecom ducts, plastic lumber, storage sheds, bottle caps, water pipes and snowboard rails.

Polyethylene terepthalate - PET (polyseter)

PET is a thermoplastic which in its natural form can be produced as a translucent, opaque or white material and is used in synthetic fibres, beverage, food and other liquid containers. Over 60% of the world's PET production is for synthetic fibres and about 30% is used for bottle production. In the textile industry, PET is commonly referred to as polyseter, while in the packaging industry it is referred to as PET.

Able is currently working with laminating PET with other films to create films with high barrier properties.

PET is commonly recycled and has the number "1" as its recycling symbol.

Polypropylene - PP

PP is a thermoplastic polymer used by Able for packaging films and in non woven protective apparel. In packaging it provides excellent optical clarity, and a high barrier to moisture transmission. It has the number "5" as its recycling symbol.